Drumming at Any Age

Drumming Through Every Stage of Life

Drumming through every stage of life.

As the late legend Lemmy Kilmister once said: “If you think you are too old to rock ’n’ roll, then you are.”
That quote often comes to mind when I hear people my age saying they’re too old for this or that. On the other hand, being part of a band that will celebrate its 30th anniversary next year — and having recently spoken with a 67-year-old woman — keeps reminding me that it’s truly never too late to create or to learn.

A few years ago, a former bassist told me that his mother had decided to start solo singing at the age of 60. At the time, it struck me as unusual, almost strange. Today, it feels increasingly normal. Modern lifestyles have led many people to realise that even later in life, they are far from being “written off.” As long as health allows, it’s still possible to engage in almost anything. Not only in music — I’ve seen at sporting events that some older participants are sometimes even better physically prepared than we younger ones.

In any case, working with active older individuals gives me additional motivation and valuable experience. The same goes for working with younger people, who naturally require a different approach than adults.

Over the years, I’ve gained experience working with a person with disabilities, assisting as a basketball coach for primary school children, and more recently, as a drum mentor. In most of these roles, I’ve worked primarily with younger people. At my last workshop, two primary school students decided to start attending my lessons. Combined with the 67-year-old lady mentioned earlier, this means the age range of my students will span from 6 to 67 years. Without a doubt, this will be one of the biggest challenges I’ve faced so far — and that’s exactly why I’m looking forward to working with all of them, supporting their progress, and sharing in their personal sense of achievement.

I firmly believe that a person can accomplish a great deal if they truly believe in what they’re doing. Everything I’ve achieved so far, along with all the people I already work with — and those I will work with in the future — gives me the energy to pursue my life goal. That goal isn’t simply to wait for retirement, but to dedicate my life to something I can continue doing for as long as I live.

Keep on drumming!